If you can’t get enough of Charles Barkley and Gayle King then you’re definitely going to be here for this news: The NBA on TNT analyst and the CBS Mornings co-host are teaming up for a weekly primetime show on CNN that will cover social and cultural topics of the day!
The duo made the big announcement on Saturday TNT’s NBA Tip-Off. King joined Barkley along with the usual crew, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson where she and Barkley shared how the new show titled “King Charles” all came about.
Barley revealed that he wasn’t really interested when the new opportunity was brought to the table. However, when they mentioned Gayle King’s name, he was all in. “When they said something, I said, ‘Hell, no, I don’t want to be on TV more,'” Barkley said. “This is when they first brought it up, that’s what I said. Then, ‘What about Gayle?’ I said, ‘Gayle who?’ ‘Gayle King.’ I said, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll work with Gayle. But that’s the only way.'” Speaking more about the new show, King added, “What I think is so great for the both of us is that it’s live TV,” she said. “To me, live TV is like working without a net. Whatever happens, happens.” She also made it clear that she “wasn’t looking for another job,” as she is still under contract for CBS Mornings and Barkley will continue on WBD Sports.
Breaking down more of the discussion show, King said it won’t be only about politics. However, Barley chimed in to note that “We don’t want to say we are a liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat. That is one of the things that has already ruined television in general. She is going to be a straight shooter, and you know I am going to be a straight shooter.” He added: “All I want is people, even if I disagree with them, to be honest with me. I don’t want them saying things to get clickbait. That is one of the things that is what drives me crazy about people in our profession right now.”
King also said, “Everyone I know has an opinion about something. I just think we have to figure out a way to have a good conversation without tearing each other down, I think we can do that. I want people to tune in to see, ‘What are Charles and Gayle going to do?’ It will be fun to watch the dynamic between the two of us.”
Per Deadline, CNN CEO Chris Licht already sent a memo out to staffers to share the exciting news while also welcoming Barkley and King to the network:
“I am thrilled to share that CNN will be home to a new show featuring the extraordinary duo of Gayle King and Charles Barkley, aptly titled King Charles, which will air weekly in primetime beginning this fall and running into 2024. This show will be an exciting new way we are delivering culturally relevant programming and unique perspectives to our audience, from two incredibly dynamic personalities. We are excited that they are both able to join us in addition to their current respective roles with Gayle continuing to anchor CBS Mornings. King Charles exemplifies the one-team, one-company mentality with Charles playing double duty at CNN and in his role at WBD Sports. There will be more to come on this in the months ahead, but in the meantime, please join me in welcoming Gayle and Charles to CNN — Chris”
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King Charles with Gayle King and Charles Barkley will air weekly on CNN in primetime beginning this fall and running into 2024. Hear Gayle and Charles talk about their new show pic.twitter.com/n93buqcjCI
— CNN (@CNN) April 22, 2023
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